[📢 UPDATED MARCH 2025]
This post has been revised to reflect changes from House Bill 4138 and the new OLCC CAMP system.
4 Simple Steps to Get Your Oregon Alcohol Service Permit
If you’re planning to serve alcohol in Oregon, you’ll need an official Oregon Alcohol Service Permit issued by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC). Following changes from House Bill 4138 that took effect on March 31, 2025, the application process has been updated. We’ve broken down the new process into four simple steps to help you get your permit quickly and easily!
Step 1: Complete an Approved Alcohol Server Education Course
The first step is to take an Alcohol Server Education (ASE) course that has been approved by the OLCC. Craft Serving’s engaging online course is not only OLCC-approved but features practical videos and interactive lessons developed by experienced industry professionals.
Our course covers everything you need to know about responsible alcohol service in Oregon, including:
- Oregon liquor laws and regulations
- How to check IDs properly
- Recognizing signs of intoxication
- Handling difficult situations
- Preventing service to minors
After completing the course, Craft Serving will automatically submit your completion information to the OLCC’s new CAMP system.
Step 2: Apply via CAMP
The OLCC has launched a new online portal called CAMP (Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program) that handles all Alcohol Service Permits. You’ll need to:
- Visit CAMP and create an account if you don’t already have one
- Complete the Service Permit Application
- Pay the $23 application fee
⚠️ Critical Information for Matching Your Records
For your course completion to be properly matched to your Service Permit Application, this information MUST match exactly:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Date of Birth
Even small discrepancies (like using a nickname in one system but your full name in another) will cause the automatic matching process to fail. If this happens, you’ll need to contact the OLCC at [email protected] to request manual matching.
Step 3: Pass the OLCC’s Exam
After both your course completion record and Service Permit Application are received and matched in the CAMP system, you’ll receive an email notification that you can take the final exam. Log into CAMP to access and complete the test.
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t worry – you can retake the exam as many times as needed at no additional cost!
Pro Tip: Craft Serving provides all students with a free Practice Test with questions similar to those on the OLCC exam. Taking our practice test is a great way to prepare and boost your confidence before the final exam!
Step 4: Receive Your Permits
The process provides two permits:
- Temporary Service Permit: Immediately upon passing the exam, you’ll receive a temporary permit that allows you to legally begin serving alcohol right away.
- Five-Year Service Permit: Within approximately 14 days, the OLCC will review your application. Once approved, you’ll receive an email notification with your official Service Permit attached. You can also log back into CAMP to download or print additional copies of your permit at any time.
Your Oregon Alcohol Service Permit will be valid for five full years from the date of issue. Before it expires, you’ll need to complete another Alcohol Server Education course and repeat this process.
Two Ways to Complete Your Oregon Alcohol Service Permit Application
While we recommend completing your course first (as outlined in the steps above), you also have the option to apply through CAMP before taking your course. Here’s a visual breakdown of both approaches:
Option A: Course First → Course Completion Stored → Apply via CAMP → Records Matched → Take Exam → Receive Permits
Option B: Apply via CAMP First → 45-Day Window Starts → Complete Course → Course Completion Sent → Records Matched → Take Exam → Receive Permits
If You Choose to Apply via CAMP First
If you decide to submit your Service Permit Application before taking your Alcohol Server Education course, here’s what you need to know:
⚠️ 45-Day Application Window
- Your application will only be valid for 45 days from the date you submit it
- You MUST complete an approved course AND pass the OLCC’s final exam within this 45-day window
- If you don’t complete both requirements within 45 days, your application will expire and you’ll need to reapply and pay the $23 fee again
Why We Recommend Taking the Course First
- Your course completion information is stored for up to 2 years
- No risk of your application expiring and having to pay the fee twice
- More flexibility to complete the process at your own pace
Remember, regardless of which option you choose, the personal information (first name, last name, and date of birth) must match exactly between your course completion and CAMP application for the records to be properly matched.
Ready to get your Oregon Alcohol Service Permit?
Follow these steps and you’ll be legally serving alcohol in Oregon in no time. Start your Oregon Alcohol Service Permit journey today by enrolling in our OLCC-approved course!
Already Have an Alcohol Service Permit? Important Information About CAMP Transition
If you currently hold an Oregon Alcohol Service Permit or have a pending Service Permit Application, you’ll need to follow these steps to access your permit in the new CAMP system after March 31, 2025:
- Create a new account in the CAMP portal (or use your existing CAMP account if you already have one)
- Once logged in, locate the “Permit Access Code Request Tool” (found either during initial login or at the bottom of your “My Profile” page)
- Enter your name and the email address you originally used when applying for your OLCC permit
- Check your email (including spam folders) for your access code
- Enter this code in CAMP to associate your existing permit with your new account
Note: This process is only required for current permit holders or those with pending applications. If your permit expired before March 31, 2025, or you’re applying for the first time, you’ll simply follow the new application process outlined above.
Changes in 2025 for Oregon Alcohol Service Permits
Since March 31, 2025, House Bill 4138 has introduced significant changes to Oregon’s alcohol service permit system. These updates now affect both individual servers and businesses that serve alcohol. Here are the key changes you need to know:
No More Immediate Temporary Permits!
One of the biggest changes in House Bill 4138 affects when you can legally start serving alcohol. Prior to March 31, 2025, applicants could receive a temporary Service Permit immediately after applying, allowing them to start working while completing education requirements.
Under the current system, you MUST complete an OLCC-approved Alcohol Server Education course AND pass the final exam BEFORE receiving any permit that allows you to legally serve alcohol. This means you need to plan ahead and start the application process well before your intended start date at a new job.
For a more detailed overview of these changes, check out our in-depth article:
About CAMP: The OLCC’s New Portal
CAMP (Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program) is the OLCC’s new central online hub where all licensing, permitting and enforcement processes now take place.
As an Oregon alcohol server, you’ll use CAMP to:
- Submit your Service Permit Application
- Take the OLCC’s final exam
- Access your temporary Service Permit
- Access your five-year Service Permit
- Update your account details
The new CAMP system replaces the previous online portal and streamlines the entire permit process in one secure location.
New Requirements for On-Premises Licensees
For licenses that authorize on-premises consumption:
- Licensees must apply for a Service Permit at the time of application for their liquor license, or designate an individual who exercises control over the establishment’s alcohol service practices to hold a valid Service Permit
- Licensees must maintain a valid Service Permit or ensure their designated individual maintains a valid Service Permit throughout the duration of their license
Non-compliance could result in license cancellation, suspension, or restriction. For a more detailed overview of these changes, check out our in-depth article:
For more information about House Bill 4138 and its full legislative text, visit the Oregon Legislative Information System website.
Original Publish Date:
Modified Date:
More Questions About How to Get an Oregon Alcohol Service Permit?
Our recently expanded FAQ section has answers to the most common questions about Oregon’s new permit requirements, the CAMP system, and House Bill 4138.
- WHO NEEDS TO GET AN OLCC PERMIT?
- WHEN DO I NEED TO GET AN OLCC PERMIT?
- HOW DO I REPLACE A LOST OR STOLEN OLCC PERMIT?
- DO I NEED TO HAVE MY OLCC PERMIT ON ME WHEN I’M WORKING?
- WHY DO I HAVE TO TAKE A COURSE TO GET MY OLCC PERMIT?
📚 Related Resources for Oregon Alcohol Servers
Tips to Help Bartenders Execute Successful Pop-Ups
didnot recieve any notice that my permit is ready, Ican go tosite it shows I passed but cannot print it
Hi Kerry. If you are having technical difficulties printing your permit from the OLCC’s online portal, then I’m afraid I’m at a loss. But if your issue is more involved than that, as I suspect it is, I think I can offer an explanation.
Our records show you passed the course June 15th. If you also went to the OLCC’s online portal, submitted your Service Permit Application and passed their final exam, then you have completed all the steps you need to. If you later returned to the portal, logged in to your account, and you only see a temporary permit, then your application is still under review. It is perfectly acceptable for you to keep serving with the temporary permit. As you can see, it has no expiration date (intentionally, so the OLCC can take as much time as they need to review your application).
Now here is the bad news. Before the pandemic, it used to take about 14 days for the OLCC to review and approve Service Permit Applications. I know it was a while ago, but for some reason, since the pandemic, they haven’t been able to get caught back up. We’ve heard from students who have been waiting for months.
We recommend that, every week or so, you just keep checking back in on your account to see if the five year permit is there. If you want to be more proactive, you can also reach out to the OLCC and inquire about the status of your permit. That might help expedite the process.
Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission
P: (503) 872-5200
E: [email protected]
Sorry about the delay! We wish there was more we could do to help. And please let us know if you still have any questions.